Summer films at New Haven Public Library

NEW HAVEN - Old and new classic films will be shown this summer at New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.

Two film series will offer popular films on the big screen at the best possible price, free, with free parking, library officials said in a statement

Bring your own popcorn and movies start at 5:45 pm:

July 7, Wednesday Classics: BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK (1954, directed by John Sturges, starring Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan, Anne Francis, Dean Jagger, Walter Brennan, Ernest Borgnine and Lee Marvin). A one-handed stranger arrives at a tiny town possessing a terrible past they want to keep secret, by violent means if necessary.

July 8, Sunny Pics Film Series: CORALINE (2009, directed by Henry Selick, featuring voices of Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher).

An adventurous girl finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but it has sinister secrets.

July 22, Sunny Pics: ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010, directed by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp and Helen Bonham Carter). 19-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen's reign of terror.

Aug. 4, Wednesday Classics: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (1958, directed by Richard Brooks.

Starring Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, and Burl Ives, based on Tennessee Williams' play).

Brick, an alcoholic ex-football player, drinks his days away and resists the affections of his wife, Maggie.

His reunion with his father, Big Daddy, who is dying of cancer, jogs a host of memories and revelations for both father and son.

Aug. 12--Sunny Pics: UP (2009, Disney Pixar). 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen ties thousands of balloons to his home to fulfill his lifelong dream of visiting the wilds of South America. Soon after liftoff, he learns he has an 8-year-old stowaway.

Aug. 26,Sunny Pics: WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (2009, directed by Spike Jonze, adapted from Maurice Sendak's classic children's story). Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, creates his own world--a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown him as their ruler.

Editor's Note: This post was provided wholly by the New Haven Public Library

Books for a Brighter World

Tonight - Tuesday June 29 - from 5 to 11 p.m. at Geronimo Tequila Bar & Grill - 271 Crown St. the crew will hold a fundraiser for Brighter World Books, a non-profit organization that collects and sends books to Pretoria Secondary School in Pretoria, South Africa.
The goal is to fill the school's library with books, both text books and fiction for all ages.

Ticket price is $15 per person and 100 percent of ticket sales will be used towards the shipping cost to send the books to South Africa. Donations of books and money also will be accepted at the event. For more information, visit www.brighterworldbooks.org

Geronimo will provide a complimentary buffet and drink specials throughout the event.

GMA here they come!

Sisters of Today & Tomorrow has been invited by ABC’s “Good Morning America” to participate in Good Morning America’s Concert Series segment audience from 7 to 9 a.m. July 2 at Central Park, in New York City.

The organization has invited members, supporters and program participants from across the country to participate in the Good Morning America Concert Series, featuring Mary J. Blige, group officials said.

“I’ve invited my Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, members, parents, sponsors and friends of ‘Sisters of Today & Tomorrow’ to take part in this exciting adventure to participate on Good Morning America,” Carla Morrison, shown in photo, founder and executive director of Sisters of Today & Tomorrow, said in a statement.

Supporters will leave the New Haven Train Station, (Metro-North) at 4 a.m. July 2; the train arrives in NYC at 5:47 a.m. at Grand Central Station.10:07am A train also will leave Grand Central Station in New York at 10:07 a.m., returning to New Haven at 11:52 a.m., organizer said.

Participants are asked to purchase a SOT T-shirt for $15, Morrison said.

The group is based in Atlanta, the statement said.

For more information on Sisters of Today & Tomorrow, call (404) 319-2130, or log onto: http://www.sistersoftodayandtomorrow.org/

Sisters of Today & Tomorrow's mission is to raise the consciousness of women and children through innovative programs that focus on self esteem, education, health & fitness and careers/entrepreneurship, the statement said.

Stern about terns

State says nesting shorebirds need special protection for July 4th weekend and summer beach season

The state Department of Environmental Protection is asking for the public’s help in protecting birds that nest in coastal areas, especially during the summer beach season, the agency said in a statement.
Whether on nests or in feeding areas, piping plovers, least terns, herons and egrets "are all especially vulnerable to disturbance from kites, fireworks and unattended cats and dogs," the statement said.
If disturbed, these birds could "abandon nesting areas, leaving eggs and hatchlings to die from exposure or to predation," the statement said. People using beach areas also could "inadvertently trample piping plover and least tern eggs and young if they are not vigilant."
The DEP has erected fencing and yellow warning signs along beaches where these birds build their shallow sand nests. Similarly, the DEP has cordoned off various off-shore islands where herons and egrets congregate in nesting areas called rookeries.
"Shorebirds and wading birds need special protection throughout their April to September nesting season," Susan Frechette, Deputy Commissioner of the DEP. said in the statement. “We urge beachgoers to keep fireworks and kites, especially kites that make noise, away from beach areas. We also ask people to keep their pets leashed and to stay away from fenced areas.
The piping plover, a small, sandy-colored shorebird about the size of a robin, is a threatened species under both the federal and state Endangered Species Acts, the statement said. The small, gull-like least tern nests in colonies in the same beach habitat as piping plovers and is also classified as a state threatened species, the statement said.
Both piping plovers and least terns use only a shallow depression in the sand as a nest. The sand color of the eggs and young act as a camouflage protection from predators and makes them very hard to see on a sunny beach. When intruders approach, young piping plovers are likely to stand motionless while the adult tries to attract attention by pretending to have a broken wing or flying around the intruder. If you see this display by adult birds, move away from the area at once,” Julie Victoria, a DEP Wildlife Biologist, said, also in the statement. “Continued disturbance may cause abandonment or death of the chicks.
"Historically, piping plovers and least terns have been declining due to the loss of beach habitat to residential and recreational development," said Victoria. In Connecticut, there are approximately 30 pairs of piping plovers in 10 locations and about 100 pairs of least terns, the statement said.
Herons and egrets also are state-listed species, nesting on islands in Long Island Sound. In an effort to insure these areas are not abandoned, the DEP has completely closed Charles Island in Milford and Duck Island in Westbrook through the nesting season, the statement said.
Advice to help protect nesting shorebirds and wading birds:
Refrain from walking dogs or allowing cats to roam freely on beaches during the nesting season. Dogs and cats are frequent predators of piping plovers and least terns.
Don’t let pets off boats onto posted islands or beaches.
If dogs are walked on beaches, always keep them on a leash.
If you live near a beach, do not let pets roam during the nesting season.
Do not bury or leave trash, picnic leftovers, and fish scraps on a beach. They attract predators of chicks and eggs, such as skunks, raccoons, foxes, and black-backed gulls.
Do not attempt to "rescue" young birds that appear to be lost or too young to fly.
Do not attempt to remove young birds from the beach or coastal areas to care for them at home.

It is illegal to hold wildlife for rehabilitation without state or federal permits. In addition, shorebirds have a unique diet that people would find hard to duplicate, probably resulting in starvation of the young bird, the statement said. Report any violations affecting wildlife to the DEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hot line: 1-800-842-HELP.

Yale scientist named Pew Scholar

The Pew Charitable Trusts has named Valerie Horsley as a 2010 Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences.
The program "enables scientists to take calculated risks, expand their research and explore unanticipated leads," according to a statement.
"Scholars receive $240,000 over four years and gain inclusion into a select community of scientists that includes three Nobel Prize winners, three MacArthur Fellows and two recipients of the Albert Lasker Medical Research Award," the statment said.
The 25-year-old program has invested "more than $125 million to fund close to 500 scholars," the statement said. "Many of the nation’s best early-career scientists, working in all areas of physical and life sciences related to biomedical research, apply to the rigorously competitive program. Applicants are nominated by one of 155 invited institutions and demonstrate excellence and innovation in their research."
“Twenty-five years ago, The Pew Charitable Trusts identified a tremendous opportunity to impact the world of science by supporting the most promising young investigators and encouraging them to pursue their best ideas without restrictions,” said Rebecca W. Rimel, president and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts said in the statement. “Motivating scientists at this point in their careers is essential to advancing discovery and innovation, and Pew is honored to continue its commitment to this cadre of high-quality researchers.”
Horsley earned her doctorate from the Department of Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Biology of Emory University where she worked with Dr. Grace Pavlath, the statement said. She then trained as a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Elaine Fuchs at The Rockefeller University. In 2009, she joined the Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology of Yale University as an assistant professor, the statement said.
Horsley studies how stem cells, cells that can regenerate themselves or become specific tissue types, are regulated and function within epithelia, the tissues that line internal organs and outer surfaces, such as skin, the statement said.
"She uses the mouse as a genetic model to study how adult stem cells within epithelial tissues undergo wound healing and potentially contribute to cancer formation. Using innovative imaging techniques, cell biology, and biochemistry she will study the dynamics of gene activity in mammalian skin. Her work will illuminate how these complex functions in epithelial tissues are relevant in skin and breast tumor formation," the statement said.

Protecting the environment

Event at Maltby Lakes gave kids a look at nature

Children from throughout South Central Connecticut hammered, drilled, planted, stamped, and tried to identify different turtle species recently at Opie’s World, a special event at Maltby Lakes Recreation Area held by the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, the agency said in a statement.

“The purpose of this annual event is to introduce families to nature and demonstrate the value of protecting our precious environment,” Larry L. Bingaman, RWA president and CEO said in the statement. “Watershed areas like the one at the Maltby Lakes Recreation Area are typical of where we get our drinking water, so by protecting the environment of the watershed, we are protecting ourselves.”
Jason Kirck of Orange, who brought his three daughters – McKenna, 1; Meghan, 4; and Emma, 5, agreed, the statement said. Two of the girls caught fish.
“This is great. There’s lots of hands-on opportunities for the kids,” he said. “It gives the kids life experiences. It teaches them a lot about nature.”
Each child was given a canvas backpack to decorate with their own designs, using markers, the statement said.
Andrew and Justin Coppola, 5 and 6, respectively, of North Haven, were able to identify a land turtle from a water turtle that the Ansonia Nature Center had on display, the statement said.
Their mother, Tricia Coppola, explained that it came easily to them because North Haven has an integrated education program that combines nature with regular school subjects, the statement said. The boys’ friend, Scott, worked with a box turtle during the school year, so they were familiar with the shape of land turtle shell, she said in the statement.

“All in all, it was a good day,” Kate Powell, RWA’s communications and outreach manager said, also in the statement. “We had a good crowd of families who learned about nature while having a good time.”

The RWA provides water and/or owns watershed property in Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Derby, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Killingworth, Madison, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Prospect, Seymour, West Haven and Woodbridge.

In the photos: Meghan, 4, and Emma Kirck, 5, of Orange. And, Jenna McIntyre, right, of the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Kellogg Nature Center, helps Avia Diffenderffer, 3, of New Haven.

DeLauro comments on Kellogg cereal recall

U.S. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, says the "food safety system is not working" in this country.
DeLauro was speaking, in a statement, following the recall of 28 million boxes of cereal produced by the Kellogg Co.
The recall was due to a “waxy” smell and flavor coming from the package liners that could potentially sicken consumers, the statement said.
About 20 people "have reported complaints, including five who reported nausea and vomiting. Kellogg is investigating what has caused the strange odor, which affects the Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Froot Loops, and Honey Smacks cereals, and were distributed nationwide beginning in March," DeLauro's statement said.
“It is alarming that we are confronted with yet another recall involving food marketed to our children. When foods that are popular among kids are being recalled in large volumes, it is clear that our food safety system is not working,” said DeLauro said, also in the statement. “Legislation passed by the House of Representatives would begin reforming this flawed system is awaiting action in the Senate, and I urge my colleagues to act quickly to help protect our nation’s food supply and our children.”
The Kellogg website says "On June 25, Kellogg issued a voluntary recall of select packages of Kellogg’s® Corn Pops®, Honey Smacks®, Froot Loops® and Apple Jacks® cereals. Consumers should not eat the recalled products because they do not meet quality standards."
The statement on the site also says, "We have identified a substance in the package liners that can produce an uncharacteristic waxy-like off taste and smell."

Connecticut Irish Festival Road Race is Saturday

NORTH HAVEN — The eighth annual Connecticut Irish Festival Road Race, Kids Fun Run and Fitness Walk will be held Saturday June 26 at the North Haven Fair Grounds.
The proceeds from these events will again benefit the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
The times for the events are: Kids Fun Runs at 10:30 a.m., 5K Road Race and Fitness Walk at 11 a.m. Trophies will be awarded in all categories.
Spiderman will be competing again this year in the Kids Fun Run.
For information, call race director Joe Riccio at 203-481-7453, wsscc-ct@juno.com or John O’Donovan 203-281-3563, odonovankinsale@snet.net.

Alvis Dimyus Brooker Scholarships awarded

NEW HAVEN - The Black and Hispanic Caucus of the Board of Aldermen will honor the winners of the 11th annual 2010 Alvis Dimyus Brooker Scholarships at 4 p.m. Sunday the Dixwell Yale Community Learning Center at 101 Ashmun St.
.

This year’s winners represent five New Haven high schools, six New Haven neighborhoods and will be going to some of the best colleges on the eastern seaboard including Johns Hopkins University, Fairfield University, University of Connecticut, Goucher College, University of Hartford, Bryant College, and Nova Southeastern University, the aldermen said in a statement.

The winners must be be New Haven residents who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, participate in community service and be accepted to a two or four year college or university, the statement said.

The winners are: Virginia Otero from High School in the Community, Chelsea Murray from Wilbur Cross High School, Amber Jones and Samantha Sanchez from New Haven Academy, Elizabeth Garcia and Kirvanna Jones from Hill Regional Career High School, Jaquetta Keen, Ashley Maebry, Julian Pearsall, Capri Ritter, Yanique Shand, Durell Snow, and Haley Vincent from Hillhouse High School, the statement said.

The winners will be presented with their scholarships at the annual
awards reception Sunday. Tickets for the event are still available for $25 and the public is "highly encouraged to attend to show support for these young people as
they are honored for their hard work," the statement said.

All proceeds go toward providing future scholarships to deserving New Haven public school students, the statement said,

For more information contact the Board of Aldermen's office at (203)
946 -6483.

DeLauro meets with soon-to-be West Pointer

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, met June 24 with Sarah Melville, a Beacon Falls resident, who won first place in the state-level competition of the 23rd annual National Peace Essay Contest, according to a statement.
The contest is sponsored by the United States Institute of Peace, the statement said.
The U.S. Institute of Peace "is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit established and funded by Congress with the goal of raising the nation’s ability to respond to international conflicts without violence," the statement said.
"By combining research and practice, the Institute’s work around the world enables them to provide pertinent analysis, reports, and training. One of the Institute’s signature programs, the National Peace Essay Contest seeks to promote interest in conflict resolution amongst students and teachers across the country," the statement said.
Because she is a state-level winner of the essay contest, Melville was in Washington, D.C. to attend a special week-long educational program on understanding conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and what citizens can do to have an impact on peacemaking throughout the world, the statement said.
Melville’s essay, "Pictures of Stolen Children" focused on examining when nonviolent civic actions are most likely to achieve justice, end conflict, or lead to positive political and social change.
Melville also was awarded a $1,000 academic scholarship, and will be a national finalist in the essay contest, the statement said.
Melville will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point this fall. She is a high honors student and National Honors Society member, and has received academic awards in humanities, Spanish, mathematics, choral music, and journalism, the statement said.
Melville is active in the student body, serving as the Student Affairs Committee chair, the Internal Affairs Committee chair, and Chief Justice of the Woodland Regional Student Council’s Judicial Branch. She is an accomplished athlete as well, competing on school’s cross country team, and being recognized as one of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Scholar Athletes of the year for Woodland High Schoolthe statement said.
DeLauro nominated Melville to West Point earlier this year.
“I congratulate Sarah on her achievements, not only in winning the state-wide competition in the National Peace Essay Contest, but also for her stellar academic work and her admission to West Point. Sarah’s clear sense of commitment to her community and her country are evident in her essay and her life’s path as she continues forward. I knew from reading her service academy nomination application that Sarah was a very special individual, and her success in this essay contest does not surprise me,” DeLauro said in the statement. “I wish her the best of luck in the national essay competition, and as she enrolls in West Point this fall. I am certain that her combination of academic excellence, strong moral character, and clearly demonstrated dedication to making our world a better place, will ensure her future success.”
The photo shows Melville meeting with DeLauro in her Washington, D.C. office

Editor's note: This post is wholly provided by DeLauro's office.

What's the word on healthcare in Cuba?

Healthcare in Cuba will be dicussed at 7 p.m. July 21 at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.
Two health care professionals recently traveled to that country to gather information about how their system works, Anne Somsel and Tina Santoni, will present their observations in "Healthcare in Cuba: What We Learned in Eight Days," organizers said in a statement.
There is no charge for this program, and free parking is available.
Details at www.cubahealth.eventbrite.com or call the library at 203-946-8835.

Everyone in the pool!

Effort helps give kids bathing suits

NEW HAVEN - Albertus Magnus School of New Dimensions has donated swimsuits to New Haven Home Recovery, Inc. after a two week long drive to help the agency’s Services, Education & Activities Reaching Children who are Homeless program, according to a statement.
SEARCH offers homework help, story time and activities to learn about physical awareness for children living in Home Recovery’s shelters, the statement said.
"During the summer kids participate in various field trips that require bathing suits that children facing homelessness do not have," the statement said.
The program is funded entirely by private contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations, the statement said.
Students and staff responded to emails sent out by Jeffery Janosko, director of Operations at Albertus Magnus School of New Dimensions, the statememtn said.
The school hopes to put on a larger drive next year for NHHR.
“The School of New Dimensions is always happy to help and looks forward to future opportunities to help our neighbors in need,” Janosko said in the statement.
In the past year, NHHR has helped 657 children in various services provided by the organization, the statememt said.

For more information on how to help, visit www.nhhr.org.

In the photo: June Sangapore, left, director of Student Services and Jeffery Janosko, director of Operations of Albertus Magnus College School of New Dimensions.

Editor's note: This information was provided wholly by New Haven Home Recovery, Inc.

Art in wine

Elm City man sees "beauty, happiness and humor in this world"

New Haven resident Martin Wickstrom of Benjamin Bay Graphic Design has won the “Where in the World Does Your Wine come from?” Best in Show for the National Poster Challenge, according to The Center for Wine Origins, Schilling Studio Gallery and the Telluride Wine Festival.
"The contest sought to discover artists and designers who could create an educated and aesthetically pleasing poster design reflecting the promotion and protection wine regions across the world," the groups said in a statement.
Wickstrom’s piece will be displayed in the Schilling Gallery at the Telluride Wine Festival from June 25-27, along with five other finalist’s posters, the statement said.

"Wickstrom’s piece, “A Toast for Port and Champagne,” beautifully shows the uniqueness of the Port and Champagne wine regions," the statement said.

“I create images to express the beauty, happiness and humor in this world. That is the artistic end goal, but actually the road to get there - playing with compositions, colors and textures - is often the most fulfilling part for me,” Wickstrom said in the statement.
“In most of my work I use a silhouette based expression, almost as if the figures were cut in paper and laid on a flat surface. After that, I add texture and spend a lot of time working with colors and composition. In this particular image my initial vision consisted of the two curved arms holding glasses. From there I proceeded to create a piece that would integrate the different wine regions of Port and Champagne in a pleasing, fun and decorative style. I wanted to inspire the viewer to a toast," he said in the statement.

The Center for Wine Origins was founded to help Americans remember that location matters when it comes to wine, the statement. This "competition asked artists to promote the recognition of Champagne or Port wines, or a recognized wine region from across the world," the statement said.

Visit the Center for Wine Origins to learn more about the Center and view all of the finalists’ works.

The Center for Wine Origins was established in 2005 to promote the importance of location and better protect geographic names in the U.S. market, the statement said.
The Center is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

JCC Offers Kosher Barbeque Nights

WOODBRIDGE - The Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven will offer hot food and cool tunes from 6-9 p.m. June 30, July 7 and 21 at the JCC at 360 Amity Road.
"A variety of local talent will provide music beginning at 6:30 p.m. and Abel Catering, under the supervision of Rabbi Moshe Epstein, will be fired up and delivering great food hot dogs and hamburgers, chicken, salmon and all the fixings, including corn on the cob and fresh potato salad," the JCC said in a statement.
Dinner starts at 6 p.m. If it’s raining, the grill will still be broiling favorite foods, and dining will take place indoors, the statement said. BYOB (kosher).
Chill ‘n Grill’s a la carte offerings are available to eat in or for take-out. For more information, call 203-387-2522.

New Haven reval process is starting

NEW HAVEN — The city is collecting information for the 2011 property revaluation and Assessor William O’Brien will hold neighborhood meetings to explain the process and answer any questions, according to a statement.
Meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. June 24 at Nathan Hale School, 480 Townsend Ave.; July 13 at Celentano School, 400 Canner St.; and July 15 at Edgewood School, 737 Edgewood Ave., the statement said.
Vision Appraisal Technology of Northboro, Mass. will assist the city with revaluation, which will take about 20 months to complete, the statement said. Vision Appraisal data collectors will visit every property and inspect the interior and exterior of each building, as well as “characteristics of the land,” the statement said. All Vision representatives will carry photo identification from the city and Vision Appraisal, and a letter of introduction letter from the Assessor’s office. City personnel also carry photo identification. Descriptions of their cars and vehicle registration markers will be on file with the Police Department (203-946-6316) and the Assessor’s Office (203-946-4800).
“Despite precautions taken by the city, property owners are urged to request identification before granting anyone permission to enter their properties, and property owners should be wary of potential imposters attempting to impersonate Data Collectors. Any suspicious behavior or activity should be immediately reported to the New Haven Police Department,” the statement said.
Residents who can’t be present for daytime inspection may call Vision Appraisal at 800-628-1013 to request an appointment, the statement said. For more information about property revaluation, visit www.visionappraisal.com or call the Assessor’s Office at 203-946-4800, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., weekdays.

The Summer Institute schedule announced

Classes taught by scholars on a variety of Jewish topics, sponsored by The Center for Jewish Life and Learning of the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon June 23 and 30 and July 7, 14, 21 and 28 and on the evenings of July 14 and 28, at the JCC, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge.
The Center for Jewish Life was formerly the Department of Jewish Education of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. Kosher lunches will be available for purchase.

The schedule for morning classes is:
June 23 – “Which Came First, The Rabbi or the Priest?” Re-reading Talmudic
Texts in Light of Early Christian Sources,” with Yonatan Moss, Yale University

June 30 – “The Wisenheimer: How High School Debate Shaped Me, and How It Shapes America,” with Mark Oppenheimer, columnist, New York Times Magazine

July 7 – “Diane Arbus and Jewish Memory,” with Laura Wexler, professor, Yale University

July 14 – “Judaism: A Way of Being,” with David Gelernter, professor, Yale University

July 21 – “Nazis and Degenerate Art,” with Rachel Perry, professor, Tel Aviv University/Yad Vashem

July 28 – “Erotic Spirituality: Sex and Judaism,” with Sydney A. Perry, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven

For evening classes:
July 14 - “Tisha B’Av and the Jewish Response to Catastrophe,” with Rabbi Herbert Brockman, Congregation Mishkan Israel

July 28 - “Tu B’Av (the 15th of Av): The Jewish Art of Matchmaking,” with Rabbi Hesch Sommer, Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven

The registration cost for morning classes is $100 for the series or $18 per session. Evening sessions are free and open to the public. Register for courses on line at jccnh.org. For more information, contact Rich Walter, Director of the CJLL, at 203 387-2424 x300.

Childcare and children’s activities will be available in the Little Seeds babysitting room and at The Painted Pomegranate, the creative learning and play center at the JCC, organizers said. For child care, call Daniela Balzano at 203 387-2522 x227.

The Summer Institute is new program of the Center for Jewish Life and Learning of the JCC of Greater New Haven, a subsidiary of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, organizers said in a statement.


Editor's note: this information was provided by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven

It's time to think about the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

And why not combine it with a summer past time?

A fun evening of Irish entertainment and Rock Cats baseball at “Irish Night” on July 17also will help the 2011 New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The Rock Cats take on the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox) at New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way, New Britain, that night and the game will be a fund raiser for the 2011 New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, organizers said in a statement.
Tickets are $8. For tickets, call Tim Gallogly, event chairman at 203-314-3484, or e-mail tgallogly@cccymca.org.
The Irish American Heritage Night, a fan favorite at the stadium, features a pre-game happy hour in the Sam Adams Bar & Grill, Irish Step dancers performing outside before the game and an Irish band playing on the field before the game. After the game there will be a "pyrotechnical show," organizers said.
Gates open at 5.35 p.m.
Throwing out the first pitch at 7:05 p.m. will be the 2010 St. Patrick’s Day Parade queen, Linsey Stamp
For more on the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, visit www.stpatricksdayparade.org

West Haven's Senior Celebration Day is Wednesday

WEST HAVEN — The city will hold the 21st annual Senior Celebration Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 23 at the Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St.
The health and technology fair is presented by the Department of Elderly Services in recognition of Older Americans Month.
It will feature about 30 elderly service agencies, refreshments and giveaways, as well as music by Vinnie Carr.
Free bagged lunches will be provided for 400 people by reservation courtesy of the Soundview Center and Harbor View Manor.
Lunch tickets must be picked up at the West Haven Senior Center, 201 Noble St., or the Allingtown Senior Center, 1 Forest Road. Seating is limited.
The Savin Rock trolley bus will begin its schedule an hour early June 23 to accommodate riders for the event. It will stop in the conference center parking lot.

It's elementary

Or is it?

NEW HAVEN — Cardiologist Dr. Lawrence Cohen will deliver the 29th annual Sherlock Holmes lecture at 8 p.m. Thursday at Davies Auditorium, 15 Prospect St.
Cohen’s topic will be "Sherlock Holmes and Women."
In addition, the original version of "Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," starring Basil Rathbone, will be screened.

Sad news in the dog world

Roberta C. Kaman, president and co-founder of The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. has died, the organization said in a statement.
“We are saddened by Robbie’s passing,” Eliot D. Russman, Fidelco’s CEO an executive director said in the statement. “We will miss her presiding presence in our midst, the vision she brought to our organization and the passion with which she served our clients.”
Dogs and dog training were always in Kaman’s life, the statement said.
Kaman recently said in “Trust the Dog,” the new book about Fidelco, “I’ve never been without a dog,” the statement said,
"From the dogs on her grandfather’s farm, to the dogs her father trained for hunting, to the thousands of dogs she bred for Fidelco, canines were an important part of her life," the statement said.
Kaman was "bitten by the training bug early on when she attended a dog training class" in Manchester, Conn, the statement said.
"She proved to be a natural trainer and the town asked her to stay on and help with the classes," the statement said.
As she said, “Apparently I had an ear for the music.”
Over the years, Kaman and her friends raised and showed several breeds, including standard poodles, the statement said and she spent time mentoring with Dr. Allen Leventhal at his veterinarian practice in Bolton, Conn., the statement said.
She got her first German shepherd in 1958, "sowing the seeds for what would become a lifelong fascination with this extraordinary breed of dog," the statement said.
"In 1960, Kaman joined a local German shepherd club in New Haven and met Charlie Kaman, her future husband and founder of Kaman Aerospace. Together, they helped form the Fidelco Breeders Cooperative, the beginnings of what is now the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation," the statement said.
The cooperative bred German shepherds for 20 years and donated them to guide dog schools and law enforcement.
From 1980, their home-based hobby grew dramatically to become an internationally accredited guide dog foundation that has placed more than 1,300 guide dogs with blind and visually disabled clients throughout the U.S. and Canada, the statement said.
Kaman was instrumental in developing the Fidelco “breed within a breed;” a German shepherd with the temperament, work ethic and stamina suited to guiding people who are blind, the statement said.
Fidelco "also pioneered its “In-community Placement” program in the U.S. Using this process, the Fidelco client is trained with the guide dog in their home area, allowing them to be more productive quickly," the statement said.
Kaman received numerous awards, including the prestigious Migel Medal Award from the American Foundation for the Blind and was honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow, the Lions Club’s highest level of recognition.
“When I get a positive phone call from a person with a Fidelco guide dog, I am always grateful,” Kaman is quoted as saying in the statment. “I realize that we’ve managed to help someone in a very personal and important way.”
The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Bloomfield, breeds, trains and places a unique type of German shepherd guide dogs with people who have visual disabilities.
Now in its 50th year of service, Fidelco relies solely on the gifts and the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations and civic organizations that partner with us to “Share the Vision.”

In the photo: Roberta C. “Robbie” Kaman, president and co-founder of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.

Editor's note: The information in this post was provided wholly by Jack Hayward, It is only lightly edited here.

Arts event being held to call for end to violence

NEW HAVEN - An "Arts Over Violence" event is being held today, Saturday, June 19 at the McDonald's restaurant at 250 Whalley Ave.
The event will run 2 to 9 p.m. today, organizers said.
"In the light of all of the violence that has plagued our wonderful city the ownership of this establishment is putting this benefit together to encourage the youth to channel all that wonderful energy into a positive direction," an organizer said.

Grant will help West River

U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, said in a statement Friday that the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration has given a $655,100 grant to the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Inc., to help with tidal marsh restoration in New Haven and East Lyme.
The grant, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, "will be used for flood prevention measures by completing the design of the West River tide gates, as well as making modifications to the Bride Brook stream outlet site," the statement says.
"These vital funds will enable our local communities not only to restore and preserve our natural marshlands, but to protect their homes and businesses against unexpected weather and flooding," DeLauro said in the statement. "In the wake of devastating floods earlier this year, protecting our communities and our environment are paramount concerns. Both the West River and Bride Brook sites will benefit from these funds, and I look forward to seeing the positive results in the years to come."
Donald Strait, executive director of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment said, also in the statement, "We are very pleased with this additional grant, which will help ensure completion of these important projects and ensure the best results for these two rivers and the residents of New Haven and East Lyme. Bride Brook has the second largest herring run in Long Island Sound, and the West River is enjoyed by so many New Haven residents. This grant will ensure the restoration of the rivers’ ecology and salt marshes."

"Opie's World" is a natural experience

A free event to give families a chance to get out in the natural world will be held from noon to 4 p.m. June 24 at the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority’s Maltby Lakes Recreation Area on the West Haven/Orange town line on Route 34.
The program, dubbed “Opie’s World: Tap Into Nature,” will be put on by the water authority’s Claire C. Bennitt Recreation Program, the agency said in a statement. The program is intended to help area residents “about the need to be environmentally conscious and protect watersheds and aquifers as well as get children outside to help them develop a sense of wonder about the natural world,” the statement said.
“Opie’s World is a program we began in 2006 to first, introduce children and their parents to the beauty and joy of nature, and second, to impress upon them that the environment is precious and needs to be protected,” Larry L. Bingaman, RWA president and chief executive officer said in the statement. “Areas like these around the Maltby Lakes are particularly precious; they are typical of where we get our drinking water from, so by protecting the environment we are also protecting ourselves.”
Opie’s World: Tap Into Nature, is named after Opie, a cartoon opossum, the statement said. The event will include, among other activities, fishing, nature crafts, and a chance for children to feel real bear fur from Yale’s Peabody Museum, the statement said.
“This event helps children develop that sense of wonder that is so important to their development. They will learn about the natural world through their own senses rather then through nature programs on TV. The timing of the event also gives grandparents who are taking care of grandchildren, parents who may be taking time off, and day care providers, a healthy activity to do with their kids,” Kate Powell, RWA’s communications and outreach manager, said, also in the statement. “There’s a lot for them all to do, so we invite families to come to the Maltby Lakes and ‘Tap into Nature.’”

Daylong Housing Fair at City Hall Saturday

NEW HAVEN — A Housing Fair that will feature vendors, housing counselors and energy experts to educate, inform, and provide residents with the right resources to be smart homeowners will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at City Hall, city officials said.
The event will include free classes, taught by certified housing counselors from Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, on the process of buying a home and how to prevent foreclosure for homeowners who haven fallen behind in their mortgage payments, officials said in a statement.
The SmartLiving Center, operated by United Illuminating Co., will present a class, “Saving Money by Saving Energy,” the statement said. There also will be a discussion panel with industry leaders about housing issues, neighborhood stabilization and state and federal initiatives to address the foreclosure crisis, the statement said. Information about mortgage loan scams also will be available.
The event is sponsored by NHS, Real Options Overcoming Foreclosure, People’s United Bank, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Commission.
For more information, resources and reporting on loan scams, visit www.LoanScamAlert.org or call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673). Community groups in Connecticut can obtain campaign materials available for download and distribution locally from the site.
NeighborWorks® America is coordinating the “Loan Modification Scam Alert” campaign nationwide through its 235 community-based affiliates and other local, state and national partner organizations, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Commission, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
For more information about NHS of New Haven, visit www.nhsofnewhaven.org.

Give us your thoughts on news!

In Ben Franklin’s day, newspaper publishers were not fighting for more readers and advertising dollars; they were battling to stay out of prison. John Peter Zenger was tried for criticizing the English governor of New York in his New York Weekly Journal, first published in 1733. He won, and the principle of freedom of the press is enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
Today, newspapers are not only delivered to your doorstep; they’re online, along with bloggers, and other news sources.
Do you think newspapers will survive in print, online or both?
Do you think the press still has a role to serve as a watchdog on government?
E-mail Edward Stannard at estannard@newhavenregister.com

East Haven Rotary to present awards

EAST HAVEN — The Rotary Club will present Public Safety Awards to Firefighters Bruce Buechele and James Murray and retired police Sgt. Joseph Buonome.
The awards will be presented at the Rotary’s annual installation of officers dinner June 24 at Anthony’s Ocean View on Lighthouse Road in New Haven.
Social hour is at 6 p.m.; dinner is at 7. Tickets are $40.
‰Buechele and Murray are credited with the rebirth of the East Haven Fire Explorer Post program, which is for youths 14-18 years ol who want to pursue a career as a firefighter. The program is supported by the Boy Scouts of America and focuses on firefighting and emergency services. The program has about 20 cadets all working under a unified set of by laws, strict guidelines and training.
‰Buonome was a police officer 1972-2001. He is a charter member of town police union, Local 1662. He has been cited and commended many times. He was a hostage negotiator, court and airport liaison and department public relations officer. He continues to organize the annual oldies show.
He is Democratic registrar of voters and is on the boards of the Rotary and Lions clubs.
President David DeFelice will be installing Buonome as the president along with president-elect, Frank Gentilesco Jr.; secretary, Jack Leary; treasurer, Benjamin Mazzucco; and sergeant at arms, Pasquale Romano.
For tickets, call 203-627-0602 or 203-640-1454.

Editor's note: the information in this post was provided to the New Haven Register

Peace Council to hold rally on oil-war connection

NEW HAVEN — The Greater New Haven Peace Council will sponsor a rally that will highlight what the group claims is the connection between wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and oil corporations at 4 p.m. Friday at 59 Elm St., where U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro has offices.
The rally also will emphasize the "cozy relationship between the government’s regulatory agencies and the oil companies," organizers said.
For more information, call Henry at (203)389-9547 or e-mail grnhpeacecouncil@sbcglobal.net.

New Haven tax bills are due July 1

NEW HAVEN- The city has mailed out an estimated 71,000 tax bills.

The bills are for personal property, motor vehicle and real estate taxes.


And, in "an effort to accommodate the busy schedules of residents," the Tax Collector's office will remain open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday from June 24 through July 1, the city said in a statement.


The Tax Collector's office also will have extended hours, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays from Thursdays, from July 22 through August 2, the statement said.
“We want to make it convenient for every resident to be able to cometo the this office to pay their tax bills,” Tax Collector Maurine Villani, said in the statement. “Residents can make their payments on-line athttp://www.cityofnewhaven.com/ or they can visit us in City Hall to makepayments in person. We’re proud of our 98.36 percent collection ratefrom last year and hope to meet or exceed that number this year.Everyone just needs to make sure to pay their share on time.”



Tax payments are due on July 1, and residents have until August 2, 2010 to pay without interest or penalty.

New Haven Free Public Library Summer 2010 Hours

NEW HAVEN - Beginning July 1, the New Haven Public Library will begin its Summer Hours
throughout the system
The Main, or Ives, Branch at 133 Elm St., shown, will be open noon to 8 p.m. Mondays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; and 1 to 5 p.m., Fridays. It will be closed Saturdays.
Fair Haven at 182 Grand Ave., Mitchell at
37 Harrison St., Stetson at 200 Dixwell Ave. and Wilson at 303
Washington Ave. will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; noon to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; and 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays. All also are closed Saturdays.
All branches will be closed on Monday, July 5.
The library’s Summer Schedule will be in effect until after Labor Day.

Got time on your hands next month?

Volunteers are needed to help run a day-long event to raise money to rebuild the Guilford VFW hall on Mill Road.

VetsFest 2010 will be held at Fireman’s Field from noon to 9 p.m.July 24 and will feature family-friendly activities such as a moon bounce, face painting and touch a truck, as well as an exciting list of local bands: In the Pocket, In the Pink, 4 Barrel Billy and CROSSEYED CAT, organizers said in a statement.

One hundred percent of the proceeds of the event will help defray the costs of rebuilding the facility that houses the Edward A. Norton VFW, Post 7666, the statement said.

The estimated cost to rebuild the hall is $750,000, the statement said. Local builders and architects will donate their time to help build the new hall at cost, the statement said.

People interested in helping should contact Edwin Bartlett at edwinbartlett@hotmail.com.

Shoreline Jewish Festival is coming in August

Reserve your space now


Crafter space is still available for the 5th Annual Shoreline Jewish Festival to be held from noon to 6 p.m. August 1 on the Guilford Green.

For an application, call 203-453-5580 or email a request to jdchabad@snet.net.

The festival features Jewish music, kosher food, an art and book sale, children’s crafts and activities, and information booths from local Jewish organizations, organizers said.

The festival also celebrates Jewish life and living. The music, the food, and the entertainment will be exciting for people of all ages, organizers said.

Help the New Haven fireworks!

Fundraiser planned at club

NEW HAVEN — A new club on Long Wharf will hold a fund-raiser Friday night to help pay for the city’s Fourth of July fireworks.
Terminal 110 will act as host for the event, which, for $25 admission, features an open bar from 5 to 9 p.m. and hors d’oeuvres from 5 to 7. Bus Stop Annie and the Frigs will play.
The fireworks will be shot off from the top of East Rock. City budget problems canceled the traditional show over New Haven Harbor, but Long Wharf businesses, led by a $20,000 grant from Ikea, stepped in to restore them in the new location.
The New Haven Register is designated media sponsor for the event.
Terminal 110, the new location for the dueling pianos formerly located at Café Bottega, is next to Hummel’s behind the Long Wharf Food Terminal, off Brewery Street.

DEP: leave fawns alone

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has issued a request asking residents to be aware that white-tailed deer are giving birth to fawns around the state and the babies should be left alone.
“With the advent of warm weather, more people are participating in outdoor activities, increasing the chances that someone will come across a tiny fawn. The fawn may appear to have been deserted, but that is usually not the case. The DEP Wildlife Division has been receiving an increasing number of phone calls from people concerned about finding fawns that appear to be orphaned or abandoned,” the agency said in a statement.
“It is critical for people to leave deer fawns alone, as the animal’s instinctive behavior in its first weeks of life is to remain motionless and let danger pass. The fawn may appear helpless or abandoned, but it is behaving normally in response to a perceived threat. As newborns, the fawns have almost no body odor and their reddish brown coat with white spots makes them almost invisible to predators. Fawns often lie motionless on the ground surrounded by low vegetation and remain perfectly still even when approached by another animal. It is important to realize that young fawns likely do not need your help, and the doe is probably feeding nearby,” the statement said.
“It is highly unlikely that a fawn found alone has been abandoned,” Rick Jacobson, Director of the DEP Wildlife Division said in the statement. “It is best not to touch the fawn and to leave it where it was found for at least 24 hours to determine whether the adult is still returning for feedings. While waiting for the doe to return, it is important that both people and dogs stay away from the fawn. A truly orphaned fawn will show signs of distress by walking around aimlessly and calling out for several hours.”
The agency noted that when “a doe gives birth to one or two fawns and nurses them, she leads them into a secluded habitat. Twin fawns may even be separated from each other. The doe then leaves them alone for extended periods of time. She returns to nurse them about three to four times a day, with feeding time lasting approximately 15 minutes. This pattern will continue for up to 3 weeks until the fawns are strong enough to accompany the doe or flee from danger”
“Although it may be natural to want to assist young fawns, caring for them does more harm than good,” Jacobson said, also in the statement. “Raising fawns for successful return to the wild requires considerable knowledge of deer biology, feeding formulas, countless hours of care, and outdoor caging. Improper care results in underweight and undernourished animals or animals that are not able to return to the wild because they have become too accustomed to being around people. Removing fawn deer from the wild, raising them, and keeping them in captivity is illegal.”
If a fawn has “truly been orphaned, it is best that the animal be placed in the care of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with the skills, training, and state authorization to care for fawns. A fawn suspected of being orphaned should be left where it was found, and its location should be reported to a wildlife rehabilitator qualified to care for fawns,” the statement said.
A list of wildlife rehabilitators and their contact information can be obtained on the DEP Web site , or by calling the DEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011

Editor's note: The information in this post was wholly provided by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

Are you happy with the way your tax money is spent?

What government waste ticks you off?


Do you see your tax dollars being wasted?
Streetlights on at 4 a.m.? Sixteen sets of agendas that no one reads?

What and where are the worst examples of the local government wasting your tax dollars? Tell us what ticks you off.

For our Ben Franklin Project edition to run July 4, leave a comment or email Topics Editor Mary O’Leary at moleary@newhavenregister.com

University of New Haven has new scholarship

The endowment will help Jewish students

The University of New Haven has established the Dr. Joseph DeLeeuw Endowed Scholarship, created with a $500,000 gift from the late Joseph DeLeeuw ’78 B.S., according to a statement.

The scholarship was established through his estate plan, prior to his death in January, 2007, at the age of 89, the statement said.

DeLeeuw, shown, requested the endowed scholarship be created for Jewish students in need who are attending or accepted to attend UNH, the statement said.

"In creating his endowment, DeLeeuw stipulated that 'The drive and ability of the applicant to successfully obtain a degree and the necessity of a scholarship for funding must be demonstrated by the applicant,'” the statement said.

"A long-time Connecticut businessman, he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology, with honors, from the University of New Haven at age 60," the statement.

At a life stage when most are considering retirement, DeLeeuw went on to earn his medical degree and opened a clinic which accepted all patients, even the penniless, and catered to impoverished children, the statement said.

As a young boy, DeLeeuw had fled with his family from Holland just days before the Nazis invaded during World War II. After his arrival in the United States and enlisting in the Army, he opened hardware stores in Branford, Conn., and later, an antique shop. Life as a retailer, however, was not what he had dreamt of, the statement said.

DeLeeuw "enjoyed a long medical career, opening the Children’s Clinic in Dania, Florida, in the 1980s. He worked seven days a week, answered his own phone and saw patients without appointments," the statement said.

Editor's note: the information in this post was wholly provided by the University of New Haven and is only lightly edited here.

An all doggy day

BETHANY — A free Adoption Day & Doggy Fest is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Best Friends new Country Lodge, 227 Cheshire Road.
Adoptable dogs will be presented by local rescue groups ARF, Abandoned Animals, Labs 4 Rescue, Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue, Retired Greyhounds as Pets of Connecticut, and the Meriden Humane Society.
There will also be dog games and contests with prizes, a meet-the-vet table, obedience training demonstrations, animal Reikki, pet photography, vendors, food and entertainment.
The Cheshire Dog Park Club will raise funds for the dog park initiative.
Well-behaved dogs, on leash, are invited.
For more information, call 203-939-3126 or visit www.bestfriendspetcare.com

Talk on children with special needs Monday

WEST HAVEN — The Local System of Care’s Parent Support Group for special needs children will present a special speaker from 7 to 9 p.m. June 14 at the former senior center in the basement of City Hall, 355 Main St.
Kathy Koenig of the Yale Child Study Center will discuss enhancing children’s social development at home and in the community.
Free child care is provided; call 203-937-3565 before June 14 to register.

Peace Council will show film on Afghanistan

NEW HAVEN — The Greater New Haven Peace Council will show the film "Why Are We in Afghanistan?" at 6 p.m. Monday, in the Community Room of the New Haven Free Public Library, 121 Elm St.
The showing will be followed by a discussion, organizers said.
The film is a brief history of the country and American involvement in the region, organizers said.
Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, call Henry at (203)389-9547, or e-mail grnhpeacecouncil@sbcglobal.net.

Hospital of Saint Raphael gives scholarships

NEW HAVEN - The Auxiliary of the Hospital of Saint Raphael has awarded its 2010 scholarships to three local students who are pursuing careers in the health professions.

Each student was presented with a $1,000 award at a dinner May 25, at the Race Brook Country Club in Orange, the hospital said in a statement.

Chelsea Verni, scheduled to graduate from Branford High School, received the Nursing Education Scholarship. She plans to attend Southern Connecticut State University, the statement said.

Christopher Acabbo, a graduate of Notre Dame High in West Haven, was awarded the Geraldine Michaels Scholarship. He plans to attend Quinnipiac University, the statement said.

Lenka Villanueva, a graduate of West Haven High School, received the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholarship. She plans to attend the Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing, the statement said.

In photo: from left: Lenka Villanueva, recipient of the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholarship; Elizabeth LaBonia, president of the Auxiliary of the Hospital of Saint Raphael; Christopher Acabbo, recipient of the Geraldine Michaels Scholarship; Leona Haddad, chairman of the Auxiliary Scholarship Committee, and Chelsea Verni, recipient of the Nursing Education Scholarship.

#Liese KleinMedia Relations ManagerThe Hospital of Saint Raphaellklein@srhs.org(203) 789-3507

Starry, starry night

The Astronomical Society of New Haven says it wants to help you discover your place in the Universe.

Dubbed a free evening under the stars, the society's Free Family Astronomy Night Events, free family public viewing nights, will be held June 18 and Saturday, June 19, the organization said in a statement.

On June 18, ASNH will be at Silver Sands State Park, located on Silver Sands Park Way in Milford. Viewing starts at 8 p.m. From the parking lot, look for the signs pointing to the viewing area.

On June 19, the Society will be at Young's Pond Park in Branford, the statement said.

On both evenings, members will point their telescopes at the Moon, Venus, Mars, Saturn and the stars.

Members will also point out the summer constellations and any other passing satellites, the statement said.
Those who have a telescope, and aren't sure how to use, are asked to bring it along, and society members will do their best to demonstrate, the statement said.
Parking and admission are free. Families are welcome. The parks are open late for the events. Rain or heavy clouds will cancel.

Donations are always appreciated. For more information and directions, goto http://www.asnh.org/ or call 203-465-2472.

East Haven cop to talk about his book

NEW HAVEN - East Haven police Officer Bob Nappe will discuss his book "Blessed Are the Peacekeepers" at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 23 at New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.
Nappe, a police officer and paramedic, wrote this book about his experiences in Iraq training Iraqi police to keep order, library officials said.
Nappe, who spent a year in Iraq, had to fight to get his police job back. The self-published book was released last year. It is subtitled “A Patriot Cop Sacrifices Everything To Serve His Country By Training Iraqi Police.”
As published in a New Haven Register story:
"The book covers everything from Nappe’s desire to get involved and find a way to serve, to the idea of “nation-building” and what he thinks is wrong with the U.S. effort — and that of his former employer, DynCorp — in Iraq.
He talks about how his expectations changed during his time there and how he, the leader of the East Haven police dive team, helped recruit and train a first-ever police dive team in Iraq with other American police serving with him. Then he saw DynCorp get mad at him for writing an article for his hometown weekly newspaper and reassigned dive team members to dangerous Fallujah.
“The main reason for writing the book was just to make sure people know that there are American police officers risking their lives for their country,” he said.
Nappe, who lives in North Haven, said he’s sick of seeing police officers serving in Iraq referred to as “contractors.”
“We weren’t contractors, like plumbers,” Nappe said. “To be called ‘a contractor’ like everybody else is really insulting, to tell you the truth. We were outfitted by the military, deployed with the military out of Fort Bliss, Texas” and the group of police officers he was with “lived with the military” and ate with them.
“We were treated like military,” he said.
Nappe has estimated he made up to $75,000 in Iraq, not including expenses. He says in the book that he could have made more by staying home and continuing as a police officer, including overtime shifts.

There is no charge, and free parking is available. For more information about this event visit www.peacekeepers.com.

Headed for the Magic Kingdom?

Gateway can help

NEW HAVEN - Gateway Community College will offer a new Walt Disney World 101 class on four consecutive Thursdays beginning July 8.


The course is designed for those planning a trip to the Magic Kingdom and is especially suited for families with young children, senior citizens or those with physical challenges who need the inside scoop on the best way to navigate the theme parks, the college said in a statement.


With "so much to do and see, advanced preparation can make all the difference. Emphasis is placed on ways to navigate the parks, find the best restaurants for your needs, use available transportation systems, what to expect when you get there and how to save money," the statement said.


Each session covers a different topic beginning with an overview of the parks, transportation systems, dining options and resorts on July 8; Disney Hollywood Studios and Disney Animal Kingdom on July 15; Epcot Center on July 22, and the Magic Kingdom on July 29, the statement said.


The courses are presented by Disney Institute graduate, Tom Violante, who has made more than 20 visits to Walt Disney World.


All four classes run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at a cost of $25 for each section, with a $20 discount for those who register for all four sections.


To register, contact the Gateway Community College office of Continuing Education at (203) 285-2082 or email mfraser@gwcc.commnet.edu.


Gateway Community College serves more than 11,000 credit and non-credit students each year, offering more than 90 associate degree and certificate programs, the statement said.


GCC is located on two campuses: At 60 Sargent Drive on Long Wharf in New Haven and at 88 Bassett Road in North Haven.


Work began this fall on a new state-of-the art campus in downtown New Haven, which is slated to open in 2012.


For more information, visit http://www.gwcc.commnet.edu/. # # #

Get the lead out

Event will show you how

NEW HAVEN – The New Haven Health Department’s Bureau of Environmental Health and the Yale-New Haven Lead Program will hold the 10th Annual Lead Awareness Picnic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 in the Carousel Building at Lighthouse Point Park.
The free community event is intended to educate local families about childhood lead poisoning prevention through educational booths, giveaways and entertainment that parents and children of all ages can enjoy, organizers said in a statement.
“The Lead Awareness Picnic in New Haven is one of the city’s several efforts to help educate families about this serious yet entirely preventable condition,” Paul Kowalski, New Haven Health Department’s environmental health director, said in the statement. “We are excited to celebrate the 10th year of this annual event which — in combination with numerous efforts year-round -- has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number of childhood lead cases in New Haven. However, the importance of bringing these numbers down even further cannot be overstated.”
Representatives from the Health Department, the Yale-New Haven Lead Program and Regional Treatment Center, and other service agencies will also join local entertainers, including a magician, performing bubble artist and clowns who will be on hand to demonstrate lead safety practices to participants through educational materials and interactive shows, the statement said. Representatives from the city also will be present to discuss the New Haven Lead Hazard Control Program, through which homeowners may receive funding to lead abate their properties, the statement said.
Forgivable loans, up to $12,000 per housing unit, are made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the statement said.
“Parents and children who are educated on possible lead threats are more likely to take steps towards preventing lead poisoning in their homes and communities,” Kowalski said, also in the statement. “While childhood lead poisoning has gained attention in recent years, many New Haven residents are still unaware of this problem.”
Families will learn how they can reduce children’s risk of ingesting lead through frequent hand washing, thorough housecleaning to remove lead dust and lead-safe home improvement practices. Health and environmental experts recommend that parents take the following precautions to prevent childhood lead poisoning:
“Lead poisoning prevention is particularly significant in New Haven, where health care providers reported that 194 children still tested positive for elevated blood lead levels in New Haven in 2009, 46 of whom had moderate to high levels [greater than or equal to 15 micrograms per deciliter of blood], Kowalski said in the statement. “Lead poisoning can cause developmental delays, behavioral problems, and at very high levels, seizures, coma and even death.”
For more information on lead poisoning prevention initiatives in New Haven, contact: New Haven Health Department, Bureau of Environmental Health, 203-946-8174

Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument Fund benefit

NEW HAVEN - A Benefit for the Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument Fund will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. June 11 at East Rock Park.

The cost is $20/person (inclusive) and tickets are available for purchase in person at: New Haven City Clerk’s Office, 200 Orange St. and the Parks & Recreations office, 720 Edgewood Ave., the city said in a statement.

Tickets also can be reserved electronically, by e-mail: sbruno@newhavenct.net or info@friendsofeastrockpark.org.

For more information call 203-946-8004. Checks should be made payable to: Board of Park Commissioners.

Bogey and Bacall, together again!

Romance, murder, blackmail and so much more

NEW HAVEN - The New Haven Pulic Library's next film in the Wednesday Classics series is "The Big Sleep."
The 1946 film was directed by Howard Hawks and starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, with screenplay by William Faulkner.
Based on Raymond Chandler's novel, this "classic thriller includes murder, blackmail, car chases and gunplay galore, as well as sparks between Bacall and Bogart," library officials said in a statement.
Screentime is 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, at New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St. There is no charge and free parking is available.

For more information call the library at 203-946-8835.

State veterans memorial design unveiled

Gifts sought

ROCKY HILL — Donations are being accepted for a memorial to state veterans.
The memorial will be next to Col. Raymond F. Gates Memorial Cemetery on West Street, across from the state Department of Veterans Affairs. Construction will begin by Veterans Day.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell recently unveiled the winning design for the memorial and announced the start of an aggressive fundraising campaign to help pay for construction of the memorial.
Donations, payable to Connecticut State Veterans Memorial Inc., may be mailed to Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, c/o Rockville Bank, P.O. Box 660, Rockville 06066. Visit www.cthonorsvets.org for information.

U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty to perform in Hamden

HAMDEN — The U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty will present a concert just before the fireworks display July 2 at the Town Center Park at Meadowbrook.
If the fireworks display is postponed, the concert will be moved to the Hamden High School.
Rain date for fireworks is July 3, when other entertainment will be provided.
Pyro/Fx Entertainment Group Inc. will put on the fireworks display.
Donations can be made payable to HVFF and mailed to P.O. Box 5104 Hamden, 06518. For more information, contact Karl Olson at 203-281-5419 or kjolson@snet.net.
The event is presented by the Hamden Volunteer Firefighters Fireworks Committee in conjunction with the Hamden Arts Commission.

Come not between the dragon and his wrath

But do come to the Stratford Library when the Hudson Shakespeare Company Performs “King Lear”

STRATFORD - The popular Hudson Shakespeare Company of New Jersey will return to Stratford for its sixth annual season with a program of three productions performed outside in the library’s scenic amphitheatre, organizers said.

The presentations are free and open to the public.

The series begins with Shakespeare’s great tragedy, “King Lear” at 2 p.m. June 19, organizers said.

Shakespeare’s "dark journey is about a powerful man at the end of his life who has ruled and ruled absolutely for a very long time. King Lear has taught his three daughters Goneril, Regan and Cordelia that the world is a dangerous place and power and status must always be maintained. This single-mindedness dominates the family as Lear reluctantly gives up his power and divides his kingdom among his three daughters," organizers said in a statement. "The daughters, having their own issues with their father and each other, soon begin to exercise their own agendas."

Other plays in the Shakespeare series this summer will be “Much Ado About Nothing” July 10 and “The Tempest” August 14.

Patrons should bring a lawn chair or blanket to spread in the amphitheatre prior to the 2 p.m. show times.

In the event of rain, performances will take place in the library’s air-conditioned Lovell Room. For more information, call the Stratford Library Public Relations and Programming Office at 203-385-4162 or visit: http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/.

In the photo: The powerful King Lear (Thomas Cox) with his daughters Cordelia (Emily Best, left), Goneril (Brenda Scott, center) and Regan (Noelle Fair).

Editor's note: The information in this post was provided by the Stratford Library.